Albert Okura: The Man Who Saved Amboy
Albert Okura, a third- generation Japanese American, grew up in post- World War II Southern California believing deeply in the American dream – that anyone, regardless of background, could achieve success through hard work and determination. Although raised in poverty, he felt from an early age that he had a unique destiny to fulfill.
After leaving college, Okura worked a variety of jobs before discovering his passion in the fast- food industry. Following management positions at Burger King and Del Taco, he chose entrepreneurship over a corporate career. Encouraged by his brother- in- law, Armando Parra, he opened the first Juan Pollo restaurant in Ontario, California, in 1984, specializing in Mexican- style rotisserie chicken. Through relentless hard work, the business grew into a successful Southern California chain with more than 25 locations. Okura often said his destiny was to sell more chicken than anyone else in the world, and over four decades he personally cooked more than two million chickens using the same original recipe.
In 1998, Okura purchased the site of the original McDonald’ s restaurant in San Bernardino and established a museum honoring the birthplace of the fast- food giant. His passion for preserving American roadside history eventually led him to an even more ambitious project.
In 2005, after learning the historic Route 66 town of Amboy was for sale, Okura purchased it from Bessie Burris, widow of longtime owner“ Buster” Burris. He promised to preserve and restore the town despite skepticism from friends, colleagues, and family. Founded in 1883 as a railroad town, Amboy later became famous for Roy’ s Motel & Café and its iconic 50- foot neon sign before declining after Interstate 40 bypassed the town.
Today, travelers from around the world visit Amboy to experience a surviving piece of Route 66 history. Even though Okura passed away in 2023, his preservation efforts, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering belief in the American dream continue to inspire others.
Ed Klein: The Spirit of Spencer, Missouri
Even though it was decommissioned decades ago, Route 66 lives on in the present day because of people like Ed Klein, ordinary folks who dedicate their time to the preservation and growth of this piece of American culture.
Ed Klein is most well- known for his Route 66 World online community, which encourages people to share, discuss, and ask questions about all things Route 66. Scrolling through the Facebook group, you’ ll find photos from tourists visiting historic Route 66 stops, announcements about upcoming events, and more. The group acts not only as an enthusiasts’ community but also as a living archive of information and photographs.
In 2022, Klein extended his involvement with Route 66 when he and his wife, Stephanie, purchased Spencer Station, a small group of buildings in Missouri. The town of Spencer was abandoned in the 1910s but was reborn in the 1920s when Sidney Casey began building up the ghost town to support travelers along the new Route 66 highway, adding a new store building, a garage and service station, a cafe, and a barbershop.
When Spencer was bypassed by a realignment in 1961, it began to decline and was eventually shut down. Francis and Mary Lynn Ryan purchased the property in 2008 from the Casey family and began restoration efforts. As the current owner, Ed Klein is continuing restoration. The buildings need more work before they’ re operational once again, but Klein keeps them open on the weekends for visitors to stop by and relive this chapter of Route 66 history.
RIDERMAGAZINE. COM / AUGUST 2026 / 53